Plantpots Havannah
Open 9am-3pm
Term-time only
​
Our staff
The majority of Plantpots staff are qualified early years
practitioners level 3 or above, with years of experience and
knowledge of working with children in the early years. All
staff adhere to government DBS checks and undergo
regular in-house training to enhance their professional
development.
The Plantpots team
Tamasine McQueen
Plantpots Owner
Tamasine opened
Plantpots in 2014 for the
residents of Great Park,
Newcastle upon Tyne,
before expanding into
Jesmond in 2018.
She has 26 years' experience of working with children and managing settings all over the world. Qualified to a level 3 in childcare, she has also completed Montessori teacher training.
A firm believer in the Montessori approach to early years education, Tamasine was inspired to open both Plantpots locations using these teachings as their foundation.
​
Tamasine believes that building good relationships with the children and their families is key to the success and smooth running of Plantpots. She is always on hand to address any concerns parents or carers may have.
Lesley Collins
Plantpots Area Manager
Lesley is the Area Manager
of Plantpots and is qualified
level 3 early years Practitioner.
She is an experienced
educator having worked with primary school age children for 10 years before moving into early years education in 2015.
She started at our sister nursery in Great Park in May 2015, taking on the role of manager of Plantpots Jesmond from March 2019.
She plays an essential role in the children's development, providing high quality early education, and is keen to help children achieve their ambitions. Lesley works closely with our Plantpots families to bring the best out in the children and is always here to listen to their thoughts.
Gemma Hobson
Early years Practitioner
​
Gemma started her Plantpots Journey at Plantpots Playgroup and Preschool in September 2024, working within the Preschool room. Gemma has previous experience in Day nurseries with all children aged 0-5 and has been a room leader of a preschool room in her previous post. Gemma has established a close relationship with the parents and children in Preschool since September and is very excited to transition across to the Plantpots Havannah.​
​
​​
.jpg)
Maddison Baldwin-Murray
Early years Apprentice
​
Maddison started her Early years Journey at Plantpots Playgroup and Preschool in November 2024, working within the Playgroup room and is very excited to transition across to the Plantpots Havannah, while working towards her Level 2 Early years qualification
​
​​
.jpg)
Nicola Cleverley
Early years Practitioner
​
Nicola joined the team in January 2025 in preparation for our opening of Plantpots Havannah. Nicola is level 3 qualified and has worked in Early years for several years with all children aged 0-5years.
​
​​